The “Movida” in Spain (between about midnight and about 4 am)

If you’re a night owl, this is when you’ll find the maximum opportunity for partying. Here are a few ideas to guide you when you set out to enjoy Spain’s “movida” in the top cities for nightlife.

Madrid

Madrid comes alive at night, and especially at the weekend. Discos, bars, cafés and fashionable clubs in Madrid’s different leisure areas and districts all offer the chance to enjoy a first-rate atmosphere by night.
Its lively nightlife is famous all over the world. If there’s one city where you know you’ll be able to dance all night long to whatever music you like, where you’ll come across people from hundreds of different nationalities and discover venues in every possible style, that city is bound to be Madrid.
You’ll see how the atmosphere changes depending on the area. If you’re looking for an evening with a little refinement, take a stroll around the Salamanca district. If you prefer something more underground with rock and alternative pop, head for the Malasaña neighbourhood. And to find the latest hip discos and clubs with sessions by the best djs, as well as the chance to spot a few famous faces, the best place to go is the centre, in the area around the Gran Vía and Sol.
Although any time in Madrid is a good time for dancing and meeting people, you’ll find the best atmosphere on Thursdays to Saturdays, starting around midnight.

Gay scene: there’s a different way to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife. Just head for the Chueca area, where all inhibitions have been cast aside to make way for fun and tolerance, and where you’ll find a whole host of wicked venues, techno discos and designer clubs. In fact this neighbourhood has always been a beacon of modernity, and was the birthplace of the famous “movida madrileña” (a countercultural movement of the 70s and 80s). And as well as being the favourite hangout of the gay and transsexual community, the streets in this area are becoming more and more popular with anyone looking for first-rate nightlife.
In summer, it’s well worth visiting the outdoor terraces in the surroundings of the Plaza de Chueca square, where you’re always guaranteed to find a great atmosphere. And of course if you want to see for yourself everything that’s on offer in this most openly tolerant of cities, why not visit Madrid during Gay Pride Week (last week of June)? The event features open air concerts and shows, as well as a parade of floats and fancy dress, while the whole area is awash with rainbow flags.

Barcelona

A good way to enjoy the nightlife on offer in Barcelona is by dancing through the night to the latest techno sounds. The nightclubs in Barcelona are famous all over the world for their electronic music. Many of the top names come to deejay in the city’s discos. In areas such as the Eixample and Sant Gervasi – Santaló there are numerous venues where techno sounds can be heard all night. Particularly lively spots include the well-known Gaixample, much frequented by the LGBT community, with its easy-going, anything-goes atmosphere.
In the Poble Nou area there are numerous large discos and spacious bars featuring alternative rock, indie and the latest pop sounds. In the Port Olimpic, one of the city’s most popular areas, the nightlife is intense and sophisticated. If you’re looking for cutting-edge design, the latest trends and good cocktail bars, you should opt for El Born, where the music attracts a wide range of personalities from Barcelona’s night scene.

Ibiza

Ibiza nights are unforgettable, which is why thousands of people flock to the island every year. You’ll have a great time at some of the best clubs on earth, with music from famous DJs to dance the night away.
The party lasts all night long but it still won’t seem long enough. After just one night, you’ll understand why Ibiza’s nightlife is so famous, and you’ll want to experience it again. You’ll meet loads of people looking for a fun time, and you might even bump into some of the celebrities who come to Ibiza to enjoy the atmosphere of its outdoor terraces and discos.

Valencia

Valencia’s nightlife is full of people who are raring to get out and have fun, feel the music and dance. The most popular area is the neighbourhood known as the Barrio del Carmen, right in the old part of town, although the clubs and bars around the Avenida de Aragón, and Cánovas, Honduras and Xúquer squares are also very well known. And the younger student vibe is to be found centred around the Avenida Blasco Ibáñez. If you’re visiting the city in July and August, check out the beach areas and the Paseo Neptuno promenade, as this where is the partying goes on for longest in the summer.
In the province of Valencia you’ll find some of the most famous discos in Spain, especially on the route from Valencia to Cullera, on the beachfront.

Benidorm

Benidorm is a town to enjoy any time of the day or night. At night, you’ll find as much going on outside the clubs as inside them, especially in the summer months. There are more than 150 pubs and discos where you can dance, laugh, have a few drinks and make new friends until dawn. The atmosphere, music, people, entertainment shows, go-go dancers… everything you need to party till you drop. Only you decide when the party is over.
The Levante beach is a fun area that attracts a lot of young people. So is Esperanto Street, a favourite spot with the Spanish. And then there are the clubs on Calle Mallorca and Lepanto, where the British feel at home.

Sitges

Sitges is an open easy-going city which is always ready to show you a good time. At night, you can enjoy the latest sounds in the discos, and dance until dawn in venues with a predominantly LGBT vibe.